THE Ecowaste Coalition, a toxic watchdog group, has issued a warning to the public about perfumes sold in malls that contain a harmful chemical, just days before Valentine’s Day, when perfumes are often given as gifts.
The watchdog’s market surveillance conducted in Makati, Manila, and Quezon City revealed that 36 perfume products from 16 brands contained butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as lilial or lysmeral, as an ingredient.
According to Ecowaste, the sale of these products violates Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2023-007, which prohibits the use of BMHCA in cosmetics. The ban took effect on November 21, 2024, following a 24-month transition period set by the 36th ASEAN Cosmetic Committee Meeting in 2022.
The group reported their findings to the FDA and urged authorities to take immediate action against importers, distributors, and retailers selling the banned products.
Ecowaste also highlighted that experts have warned about the dangers of exposure to BMHCA, which is linked to reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and allergic reactions.
metrosundaily
